Hoisin Garlic Noodles

Ingredients

• 14 oz dried wheat or egg noodles
• 0.25 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tsp maple syrup or honey (Use either maple syrup or honey.)
• vegetable oil (For heating the skillet; use enough to lightly coat the pan, approximately 1 tablespoon.)
• 6 cloves garlic (Finely chopped.)
• 6 scallions (Slice the white and green parts separately.)
• 4 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• salt (For the noodle-cooking water and seasoning, to taste.)
• black pepper (To taste.)

Steps

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the dried noodles and cook until just al dente and still pleasantly bouncy; begin checking early so they do not become mushy.

2. 2

   Drain the noodles, then rinse them under cool water to stop the cooking and cool them. Set them aside to drain thoroughly.

3. 3

   In a small bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, and maple syrup or honey until smooth and well combined.

4. 4

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to lightly coat the bottom.

5. 5

   Add the chopped garlic and the sliced white parts of the scallions. Cook, stirring frequently, until the aromatics are fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes; do not let the garlic burn.

6. 6

   Immediately pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the aromatics. Stir briefly to combine and warm the sauce.

7. 7

   Add the cooled noodles to the skillet. Toss thoroughly with tongs until every noodle is coated in the sauce and the noodles are heated through.

8. 8

   Spread the noodles into an even layer and let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes, until the underside develops browned, crispy patches. Avoid stirring during this time so the crust can form.

9. 9

   Season the noodles to taste with salt and black pepper. Toss lightly if desired, while keeping some crisp pieces intact.

10. 10

    Transfer the noodles to serving bowls or a platter. Top with the toasted sesame seeds and the sliced green scallion parts, then serve immediately.

Notes

The noodles are best served immediately while the crisp underside and sesame topping are fresh. Keep the noodles bouncy rather than overcooking them before they go into the skillet.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegetarian
• quick
• stovetop
• crispy
• noodles
• East Asian-inspired